Center-pivot steering articulated vehicle with load lifting trailer
The center-pivot vehicle has forward and rearward sections with traversing means for traversing terrain. A rotary actuator connects the forward and rearward sections. Rotation of the rotary actuator articulates the forward and rearward sections relative to each other for steering the vehicle. One of the sections includes a bed operably attached to a bed frame that is operably attached to a trailer frame for actuated movement between trailing and loading positions. The bed is pivotally attached to the bed frame for moving between tilted and non-tilted positions.
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This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/509,838 filed Jul. 27, 2009, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a center-pivot vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for articulating a center-pivot vehicle having a load lifting trailer with a bed both moveable between trailing and loading positions and tiltable between loading and unloading positions relative to the frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is well-known that center-pivot vehicles have the advantage of being extremely maneuverable. Other advantages of center-pivot vehicles include exact steering geometries, rear wheels tract with front wheels, tighter turning radius over common axle pivot steering, and the ability to move the forward and rearward sections even if the vehicle is not moving.
Typically, center-pivot vehicles have forward and rearward sections hinged together. Articulation of the sections is often provided by one or more hydraulic cylinders. For example, one cylinder on one side of the hinge expands while another cylinder on the opposite side of the hinge contracts for articulating the forward section relative to the rearward section for turning the vehicle.
Current systems for providing center-pivoting of a vehicle are bulky, have limited operating parameters, require an excessive amount of power to operate, and are expensive to build and to operate. Because of the interlinking between the forward and rearward sections, this type of center-pivot system limits the operating independency of the forward and rearward sections, which in turn limits the stability of these sections and the amount each is able to pitch and roll relative to the other. Invariably, the ability of the forward and rearward sections of a center-pivot vehicle to pitch and roll freely is retarded by the structure or functionality providing center-pivoting.
Therefore, it is a primary object, feature or advantage of the present invention to improve over the state of the art.
It is a further object, feature or advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation is non-bulky, inexpensive to build, operate and maintain.
Yet another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation has limited moving parts interlinking forward and rearward sections of the vehicle.
A further object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation has a minimal power requirement.
Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation provides operating independency of forward and rearward sections for increased stability, tracking, and handling.
Yet another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation allows for forward and rearward section dependency whereby both sections remain solidly grounded and true to the terrain regardless of the terrain.
A further object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the pitch and roll of the forward and rearward sections are independent of articulation of the forward and rearward sections.
Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation is a single self-contained unit for simplicity, cost savings and ease of operation and troubleshooting.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,435 shows a trailer with a non-tilting moveable bed. This trailer includes a hydraulic cylinder which is connected to a linkage between a base and bed frame. Extension of the hydraulic cylinder causes the linkage to articulate and causes movement of the bed frame relative to the base frame. The bed frame is guided in a series of tracks between an elevated position and a lowered position.
The device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,435 has the disadvantage of requiring a complicated mechanical linkage between a hydraulic cylinder bed frame and the base frame. Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder rises and powers in unison with the bed frame, rather than being stationary relative to the base frame. The bed frame is also limited in that it's non-tilting.
Therefore a primary object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having load lifting bed moveable generally vertically between trailing and loading positions relative to the bed frame.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a load lifting bed that is tiltable between loading and dumping positions relative to the bed frame.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle with a load lifting bed which can be maintained in a horizontal position while moved between trailing and loading positions for easy loading and unloading of machinery or other objects being transported by the vehicle.
A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle with a load lifting bed that can be tilted from the horizontal position in either the trailing or loading position or any location of the bed therebetween.
A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle with a load lifting bed which uses a simple mechanism for moving the bed between trailing and loading positions having a new, safe design.
The means and method of accomplishing these and other objectives will become apparent in the following description of the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, a center-pivot vehicle is disclosed. The center-pivot vehicle includes a forward section connected to selectively articulate relative to a rearward section by a rotary actuator. The rearward section includes a bed pivotably attached to a bed frame that is operatively attached to a trailer frame by a pivot plate operated by an actuator for moving the bed frame bed between trailing and loading positions. A second actuator connected between the bed and bed frame tilts the bed between loading and dumping positions.
A new method for operating a center-pivot vehicle having a bed movable both between trailing and loading positions and loading and dumping positions is disclosed. The method includes connecting first and second sections of the center-pivot vehicle together with a rotary actuator. The first and second sections are articulated relative to the each other for steering the vehicle by rotating the rotary actuator. Rotating a pivot plate operably connecting the bed frame to the trailer frame raises and lowers the bed frame and the bed between trailing and loading positions. Extending an actuator operably connecting the bed to the bed frame tilts the bed between loading and dumping positions.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present invention includes a number of aspects, all of which have broad and far-reaching application. One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a center-pivot steering articulated vehicle wherein the system providing articulation of forward and rearward sections relative to each other is a rotary actuator, the system providing movement of the bed between trailing and loading positions is an actuated pivot plate, and the system providing tilting of the bed between loading and dumping positions is a linear extensible actuator.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed a center-pivot vehicle at 10. The center-pivot vehicle 10 includes generally a forward section 12 having traversing means, such as wheels 16. The forward section 12 is operatively joined or connected to a rearward section 50 also having wheels 54. Forward section 12 and rearward section 50 are connected together by a rotary actuator 100 which, when actuated, causes forward section 12 and rearward section 50 to articulate relative to each other to provide turning for vehicle 10. As best illustrated in
Frame 14 is supported by wheels 16 connected to the frame 14 by an axle, such as a standard stub axle or a Torflex axle as described in greater detail below. In a preferred embodiment, traversing means includes a rim and tire assembly as shown in
As shown in
Operably attached to the trailer frame 113 is a bed frame 144. Similarly, a bed 111 is operably attached to the bed frame 144. The bed 111 includes a floor 145 for supporting cargo. Bed railings 146-150 are affixed to the bed frame 144 by railing supports 152. The bed frame 144 is positioned between the longitudinally extending frame members 116 with the front end of the bed frame 144 being generally adjacent a forward portion of the trailer frame 113.
As best illustrated in the figures, and particularly
In one aspect of the invention the first connector 158 includes a pivot pin 160 rigidly attached to the pivot plate 156. The pivot pin 160 is received within a sleeve 162 rigidly attached to a longitudinally extending frame member 116. Similarly, the second connector 164 includes a pivot pin 166 rigidly attached to the pivot plate 156. The pivot pin 166 is received within a sleeve 168 rigidly attached within the bed frame 144. For example, in the case where the bed frame 144 is constructed of generally square or rectangular tubing, sleeve 168 may be rigidly affixed to a hole extending through the sidewalls of the tubing (to allow the pin 166 to rotate/pivot within the sleeve 168) or the pin 166 may be received within a hole through the sidewalls of the tubing to allow the pin 166 to rotate/pivot within the hole. Likewise, the third connector 170 includes a pivot pin 172 received through the pivot plate 156. The pivot pin 172 also is received through holes in a clevis 182 attached to cylinder rod 180 of the linear extensible actuator 174. The pivot pin 172 also extends through an end bracket 186, wherein the opposite end of the end bracket 186 (opposite the end with the pivot pin) is attached to the pivot pin 160 of the first connector 158.
The linear extensible actuator 174 includes a barrel 176 with a first end comprising a pin eye 178 pivotally attached to mounting bracket 184. Mounting bracket 184 is affixed to a longitudinally extending frame member 116. A cylinder rod 180 is actuated in and out of the barrel 176. The cylinder rod 180 terminates in a clevis 182 which is a U-shaped fixture having holes passing through each of the legs of the U-shaped member. The pivot pin 172 of the third connector 170 is received through the holes in the clevis 182. The pivot pin 172 is also received through a hole in the pivot plate 156 and the end bracket 186. Also secured to the third connector 170 by pivot pin 172 is a piston lockout 188. The piston lockout 188 is in the form of a U-shaped channel/bracket and is hingeably attached to rotate about pivot pin 172 by hinge 190. A U-shaped bracket 194 having opposing holes in the legs is also attached to the third connector 170 by way of the pivot pin 172 passing through the holes of the U-shaped bracket 194. Attached to the U-shaped bracket 194 is a connecting arm 192 that extends from the front of the bed lifting and lowering assembly 154 to the rear of the bed lifting and lowering assembly 154 and is generally parallel to the longitudinally extending frame member 116 and bed frame 144. Opposite the U-shaped bracket 194 on connecting arm 192 is another U-shaped bracket 196 (shown in
As discussed above, the bed 111 includes bed railings 146-150 connected to railing supports 152 and roll bar 62. The bed walls 151 are attached to the bed railings 146-150, railing supports 152 and roll bar 62. The floor 145 of the bed 111 is attached to floor support rails 224 connected at each of their opposite ends to a railing support 152 as best illustrated in
Operation of the bed 111 is illustrated and shown by the figures and particularly
The following describes movement of the bed frame 144 from the trailing to the loading position and visa versa. Movement of the bed frame 144 relative to the trailer frame 113 is provided by operably attaching bed frame 144 to the longitudinally extending frame members 116 of trailer frame 113. Generally, the pivot plate 156 and pivot plate 198 include a first connector 158 and 200 pivotally attached to a longitudinally extending frame member 116. Pivot plate 156 and 198 also include a second connector 164 pivotally attached to bed frame 144. The third connector 170 and 212 attached to pivot plates 156 and 198 respectively are linked together by connecting arm 192. The distance of separation between the first and second connectors on both pivot plates 156 and 198 is a sufficient distance so as to allow the bed frame 144 to descend a sufficient enough distance so as to lie adjacent the ground in the loading position in a generally horizontal position. Depending upon the height of the trailer frame 113 the appropriate spacing of the first and second connectors on both pivot plates may be calculated so that the bed frame 144 may be lowered a sufficient distance so as to position the bed frame 144 proximate the ground. Similarly, the spacing between the first and second connector on the pivot plate 156 and 198 may also be optimized so that the bed frame 144 moves from the loading to trailing position and visa versa with minimal extension and retraction of cylinder rod 180. Furthermore, the spacing of the first connector, second connector and third connector on the pivot plate 156 and pivot plate 198 may also be optimized so as to allow the linear extensible actuator 174 to have a mechanical advantage in moving the bed frame 144 between the trailing and loading positions or visa versa. In the trailing position, the cylinder rod 180 is in the extended position and locked out from movement by rotating and positioning the piston lockout 188 over the cylinder rod between the end of the barrel 176 and clevis 182 of the linear extensible actuator 174. Also, with the piston lockout 188 positioned over top the cylinder rod 180 the clevis 182 is prevented from retracting toward the barrel 176 of linear extensible actuator 174. With the piston lockout 188 positioned over top of the cylinder rod 180, the bed frame 144 is prevented from any movement relative to the trailer frame 113, and is positioned for trailing cargo. To move the bed frame 144 from the trailing position to the loading position, the piston lockout 188 is rotated out of obstruction between the barrel 176 and clevis 182 of the linear extensible actuator 174. Controls (not shown) operably attached to the engine 28 for operating a hydraulic pump (not shown) are operated to provide hydraulic fluid via hydraulic lines 110 to the linear extensible actuator 174 to allow cylinder rod 180 to retract into the barrel 176. Retraction of the cylinder rod 180 allows the bed frame 144 to descend toward the ground as pivot plates 156 and 198 rotate about first connectors 158 and 200. As the bed frame 144 descends toward the ground, second connector 164 and second connector 206 descend from the trailing position to the loading position, the descent being radial movement about the first connector 158 and 200. The radius of the radial movement being the distance between the first connector 158 and second connector 164 on pivot plate 156 and the distance between the first connector 200 and second connector 206 on pivot plate 198. To ensure that the bed frame 144 is fully engaging the ground, the cylinder rod 180 may be retracted to the point where the trailer frame 113 is lifted up off of the ground by retraction of cylinder rod 180 to firmly plant or secure the bed frame 142 and bed 111 against the ground for loading the bed 111 with cargo. With the connecting arm 192 pivotally attaching pivot plate 156 to pivot plate 198, any movement imparted to pivot plate 156 by linear extensible actuator 174 is also transmitted to pivot plate 198 via connecting arm 192. Thus, actuation of the linear extensible actuator 174 departs like motion to both pivot plates 156 and 198.
The bed frame 144 is moved from the loading position to the trailing position by operating the engine 28 connected to a hydraulic pump (not shown). Hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump causes the cylinder rod 180 within the linear extensible actuator 174 to extend out of the barrel 176. Extension of the cylinder rod 180 imparts a clockwise rotation to both pivot plate 156 and 198 about first connector 158 and 200 respectively. As the bed frame 144 ascends toward the trailing position, second connector 164 and 206 on pivot plates 156 and 198 pivot so as to maintain the bed frame 144 in a parallel orientation relative to the trailer frame 113. The cylinder rod 180 is extended until the bed frame 144 is generally parallel with or on the same plane as the trailer frame 113. This is accomplished by rotating both pivot plates 156 and 198 in a clockwise manner. The second connector 164 and 206 are rotated clockwise relative to first connectors 158 and 200 until generally on the same plate with first connectors 158 and 200. Thus, in the trailing position, the second connector 164 and 206 are generally in the same plane as the first connectors 158 and 200. In the loading position the second connector 164 and 206 lie in a plane generally parallel to the first connectors 158 and 200. Likewise, the trailing position, the third connectors 170 and 212 are generally in the same vertical plane as the first connectors 158 and 200. The present invention contemplates various pivot plate geometries or shapes yielding various desirable movement of the bed frame 144 relative to the trailer frame 113. For example, the pivot plate 156 and 198 could be designed in an oval or oblong shape or geometry, or even a cam shaped geometry so as to provide the linear extensible actuator 174 with mechanical advantage over the pivot plates 156 and 198 when moving the bed frame 144 from the loading position to the trailing position. Furthermore, the pivot plates 156 and 198 could be shaped so as to quicken the descent and ascent of the bed frame 144 relative to the trailer frame 113 while maintaining the same cylinder rod extension and retraction rates.
As set forth in the proceeding description, the bed 111 moves between trailing and loading positions by actuation of the bed lifting and lowering assembly 154. Also, by actuation of the linear extensible actuator 64 connected between the roll bar 62 and bed frame 144 the bed 111 is tilted from a loading position to a dumping position. The bed 111 may be tilted at any position of the bed frame 144 when moved between trialing and loading positions by the bed lifting and lowering assembly 154.
As previously discussed and as illustrated in
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been set forth in the drawings and in the specification and although specific terms are employed, these are used in the generically descriptive sense only and are not used for the purpose of limitation. Changes in the formed proportion of parts, as well as in the substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or are rendered expedient without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A center-pivot vehicle comprising:
- a forward section connected to selectively articulate relative to a rearward section by a rotary actuator;
- one of said sections having a bed operably attached to a bed frame and the bed frame operably attached to a trailer frame;
- a first actuator and pivot plate connecting the bed frame to the trailer frame to move the bed frame between trailing and loading positions;
- a second actuator connecting the bed to the bed frame to move the bed between tilted and non-tilted positions; and
- wherein the trailer frame includes a pair of longitudinally extending frame members, each frame member having a pivot point pivotally connected to the pivot plate.
2. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein said forward section comprises an operators station.
3. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 2 wherein said operator's station further comprises a steering control in communication with said rotary actuator for selectively articulating said rotary actuator for turning said vehicle.
4. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein said rotary actuator comprises a hydraulic rotary actuator.
5. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein the bed frame includes a pivot point pivotally connected to the pivot plate.
6. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 further comprises a spindle and hub connected between said forward section and said rotary actuator to allow said forward and rearward sections to pitch and roll relative to each other.
7. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein the pivot plate further comprises a first connector pivotally attached to the trailer frame, a second connector pivotally attached to the bed frame, and a third connector pivotally attached to the first actuator.
8. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein said actuator is a linear extensible actuator.
9. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a second pivot plate pivotally connecting the bed frame to the trailer frame.
10. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 9 further comprising a connecting arm pivotally connected between the first and second pivot plates.
11. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein the bed is pivotally attached to the bed frame.
12. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 1 wherein the second actuator comprises a linear extensible actuator having a first end pivotally connected to the bed frame and a second end connected to the bed.
13. A center-pivot vehicle comprising:
- a first wheel supported section connected to selectively articulate relative to a second wheel supported section by a rotary actuator;
- one of said wheel supported sections including: a. a frame having a pair of longitudinally extending frame members; b. a bed frame operatively attached to the pair of longitudinally extending frame members and a bed operably attached to the bed frame; c. a pivot plate having a first attachment point connected to the frame, a second attachment point connected to the bed frame, and a third attachment point connected to a first actuator; and d. a second actuator operably attached to the bed, wherein one end of the bed is hingedly attached to the bed frame and the other end is attached to the second actuator.
14. The center-pivot vehicle of claim 13 wherein the first actuator having an elevation control of the bed frame relative to the frame and said second actuator having an orientation control of the bed relative the bed frame.
15. A method for operating a center-pivot vehicle, comprising:
- connecting first and second sections of the center-pivot vehicle together with a rotary actuator;
- articulating said first and second sections relative to the each other for steering said vehicle by rotating said rotary actuator; and
- raising and lowering a bed frame relative to a frame of one of the sections by actuating a first actuator; and
- tilting a bed relative to the bed frame by actuating a second actuator, wherein the bed includes one end hingedly attached to the bed frame.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising rotating a pivot plate with the first actuator for raising and lowering the bed frame.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising tilting the bed independent of raising and lowering the bed frame.
3642324 | February 1972 | Conner |
4504184 | March 12, 1985 | Beam et al. |
4552341 | November 12, 1985 | Zucker et al. |
5632350 | May 27, 1997 | Gauvin |
5908081 | June 1, 1999 | Olson |
6116697 | September 12, 2000 | Smith et al. |
- “3-Wheel Tractor Sprayer Attachments”, www.agriweld.com/pages/applicator—3W6410.html. Article and close-up of the steering unit.
Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 18, 2011
Date of Patent: Sep 17, 2013
Patent Publication Number: 20110194921
Assignee: Roose Mfg. Company (Pella, IA)
Inventor: Gerald L. Roose (Pella, IA)
Primary Examiner: Tashiana Adams
Assistant Examiner: Marlon Arce
Application Number: 13/088,884
International Classification: B62D 13/02 (20060101);